The Scientific Study of Earth Earth science the scientific study of Earth and the universe around it Scientific study of Earth began thousands of years ago with careful observations. For many centuries, scientific discoveries were limited to observations of phenomena that could be seen with the unaided eye. Earth science assumes that the causes of natural events, or phenomena, can be discovered through observation and experimentation.

Earth Sciences Click below to watch the Visual Concept.

Branches of Earth Science Scientists have used technology and hard work to build an immense body of knowledge about Earth. Most Earth scientists specialize in one of four major areas of study: the solid Earth (geology), the oceans (oceanography), the atmosphere (meteorology), and the universe beyond Earth (astronomy).

Branches of Earth Science, continued Geology geology the scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of Earth and the processes that shape Earth Geology includes many specialized fields of study, such as the study of earthquakes or volcanoes, exploration for natural resources such as coal and oil, and the study of Earth’s history through the study of rocks and fossils.

Branches of Earth Science, continued Oceanography oceanography the scientific study of the ocean, including the properties and movement of ocean water, the characteristics of the ocean floor, and the organisms that live in the ocean Like geology, oceanography includes specialized fields. Some oceanographers study ocean water. Others study waves, tides, and ocean currents. Still others study the ocean floor or the organisms that live in the oceans.

Branches of Earth Science, continued Meteorology meteorology the scientific study of Earth’s atmosphere, especially in relation to weather and climate Using satellites, radar, and other technologies, meteorologists study the atmospheric conditions that produce weather. They may use this information to prepare weather forecasts. Some meteorologists study climate, the patterns of weather that occur over long periods of time.

Branches of Earth Science, continued Astronomy astronomy the scientific study of the universe Astronomy is one of the oldest branches of Earth science. Modern astronomers use Earth-based and space-based telescopes, as well as other instruments, to study the sun, the moon, the planets, and the universe.

Branches of Earth Science, continued Environmental Science and Earth Science Environmental science is a relatively new field of Earth science that involves the study of the ways in which humans interact with their environment. Many fields of study contribute to environmental science, fields such as Earth science, biology, and the social sciences. The goal of environmental science is to understand and solve problems that result from how we use natural resources and how our actions affect the environment.

The Importance of Earth Science Natural forces not only shape Earth but also affect life on Earth. By understanding how natural forces shape our environment, Earth scientists can better predict potential disasters and help save lives and property. The work of Earth scientists helps us understand our place in the universe.

Behavior of Natural Systems The goal of science is to explain natural phenomena. Scientists ask questions about natural events and then work to answer those questions through experiments and examination.

Behavior of Natural Systems, continued Scientists start with the assumption that nature is understandable. Scientists also expect that similar forces in a similar situation will cause similar results. Scientists also expect that nature is predictable, which means that the future behavior of natural forces can be anticipated.

Scientific Methods Over time, the scientific community has developed organized and logical approaches to scientific research. These approaches are known as scientific methods. Scientific methods are not a set of sequential steps that scientists always follow. Rather these methods are guidelines to scientific problem solving.

Scientific Methods, continued The diagram below shows a basic flowchart of scientific methods.

Scientific Methods, continued Ask a Question observation the process of obtaining information by using the senses; the information obtained by using the senses Scientific investigations often start with observations. Observations commonly lead to questions.

Scientific Methods, continued Form a Hypothesis hypothesis a testable idea or explanation that leads to scientific investigation a tentative answer, which is also known as a hypothesis. Most hypotheses are based on known facts about similar events.

Scientific Methods, continued Test the Hypothesis After a hypothesis is proposed, it is commonly tested by performing experiments. An experiment is a procedure that is carried out according to certain guidelines. independent variable in an experiment, the factor that is deliberately manipulated dependent variable in an experiment, the factor that changes as a result of one or more other factors (the independent variables)

Scientific Methods, continued Draw Conclusions After many experiments and observations, a scientist may reach conclusions about his or her hypothesis. If the hypothesis fits the known facts, it may be accepted as true. If the experimental results differ from what was expected, the hypothesis is changed or discarded http://youtu.be/EV1SqGINnP8

Scientific Measurements and Analysis Scientists around the world can compare and analyze each other’s measurements because scientists use a common system of measurements called the International System of Units, or SI.

Scientific Measurements and Analysis, continued Accuracy and Precision Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value of the thing being measured. Precision is the exactness of the measurement.

Scientific Measurements and Analysis, continued Error Error is an expression of the amount of imprecision or variation in a set of measurements. Error is commonly expressed as percentage error or as a confidence interval.

Scientific Measurements and Analysis, continued Observations and Models, continued Scientists also use models to simulate conditions in the natural world. A model is a description, representation, or imitation of an object, system, process, or concept. Scientists use several types of models, including physical models, graphical models, conceptual models, mathematical models, and computer models.

Acceptance of Scientific Ideas Scientific understanding moves forward through the work of many scientists, who build on the research of the generations of scientists before them. When scientists reach a conclusion, they introduce their findings to the scientific community. Publication of Results and Conclusions Scientists commonly present the results of their work in scientific journals or at professional meetings. Results published in journals are usually written in a standard scientific format.

Acceptance of Scientific Ideas, continued Peer Review Scientists follow an ethical code that states that only valid experimental results should be published. To reduce bias, scientists submit their ideas to other scientists for peer review. peer review the process in which experts in a given field examine the results and conclusions of a scientist’s study before that study is accepted for publication

Acceptance of Scientific Ideas, continued Formulating a Theory When an idea has undergone much testing and reaches general acceptance, that idea may help form a theory. theory the explanation for some phenomenon that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning; that is supported by a large quantity of evidence; and that does not conflict with any existing experimental results or observations A scientific law is a general statement that describes how the natural world behaves under certain conditions and for which no exceptions have been found. Theories and scientific laws can be changed if conflicting information is discovered in the future. http://youtu.be/d3q9pX9j14w

Acceptance of Scientific Ideas, continued The Importance of Interdisciplinary Science Scientists from many disciplines commonly contribute the information necessary to support an idea The free exchange of ideas between fields of science allows scientists to identify explanations that fit a wide range of scientific evidence. When an explanation is supported by evidence from a variety of fields, the explanation is more likely to be accurate.

Acceptance of Scientific Ideas, continued The diagram below shows how interdisciplinary science helped develop the impact hypothesis of the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Science and Society The work of people, including scientists, is influenced by their cultural and personal beliefs. Science is a part of society, and advances in science can have important and long-lasting effects on both science and society.

Science and Society, continued Science is also used to develop new technology, including new tools, machines, materials, and processes. Sometimes technologies are designed to address a specific human need. In other cases, technology is an indirect result of science that was directed at another goal.

Science and Society, continued Scientists who are involved in research that leads to new technologies may or may not consider the possible negative effects of their work. Before making decisions about technology they adopt, people should consider the alternatives, risks, and costs and benefits to humans, to other life, and to Earth.

Multiple Choice 1. A tested explanation of a natural phenomenon that has become widely adopted is a scientific A. hypothesis. B. law. C. theory. D. observation.

Multiple Choice A tested explanation of a natural phenomenon that has become widely adopted is a scientific A. hypothesis. B. law. C. theory. D. observation.

Multiple Choice, continued 2. If experimental results do not match their predictions, scientists generally will A. repeat the experiment until they do match. B. make the measurements more precise. C. revise their working hypothesis. D. change their experimental results. .

Multiple Choice, continued 2. If experimental results do not match their predictions, scientists generally will F. repeat the experiment until they do match. G. make the measurements more precise. H. revise their working hypothesis. I. change their experimental results.

Multiple Choice, continued 3. Scientists who study weather charts to analyze trends and to predict future weather events are A. astronomers. B. environmental scientists. C. geologists. D. meteorologists.

Multiple Choice, continued 3. Scientists who study weather charts to analyze trends and to predict future weather events are A. astronomers. B. environmental scientists. C. geologists. D. meteorologists.

Multiple Choice, continued 4. What type of model uses molded clay, soil, and chemicals to simulate a volcanic eruption? A. conceptual model B. physical model C. mathematical model D. computer model

Multiple Choice, continued 4. What type of model uses molded clay, soil, and chemicals to simulate a volcanic eruption? A. conceptual model B. physical model C. mathematical model D. computer model

Multiple Choice, continued 5. Which of the following is an example of a new technology? A. a tool that is designed to help a doctor better diagnose patients B. a previously unknown element that is discovered in nature C. a law that is passed to fund scientists conducting new experiments D. scientists who record observations on the movement of a star

Multiple Choice, continued 5. Which of the following is an example of a new technology? A. a tool that is designed to help a doctor better diagnose patients B. a previously unknown element that is discovered in nature C. a law that is passed to fund scientists conducting new experiments D. scientists who record observations on the movement of a star

Short Response 6. What is the term for the factors that change as a result of a scientific experiment?

Short Response 6. What is the term for the factors that change as a result of a scientific experiment? dependent variables

Short Response, continued 7. Why do scientists often review one another’s work before it is published?

Short Response, continued 7. Why do scientists often review one another’s work before it is published? to determine the validity of the results and conclusions

Interpreting Graphics The diagram below shows the four major areas studied by Earth scientists. Use this diagram to answer question 11.

Interpreting Graphics, continued 11. A scientist studying the events that take place in area C would be primarily concerned with which of the following? F. Earth’s age G. Earth’s weather H. movement of waves and tides I. movement of the stars across the sky

Interpreting Graphics, continued 11. A scientist studying the events that take place in area C would be primarily concerned with which of the following? F. Earth’s age G. Earth’s weather H. movement of waves and tides I. movement of the stars across the sky